For the most part, the Phoenix metro area is relatively flat with little elevation change noticeable when you drive around from city to city. Know as the Valley of the Sun, we are surrounded by mountains which make for some beautiful, scenic hikes. I live in the East Valley town of Gilbert sandwiched in between, Chandler, Queen Creek and Mesa so to get out of the city scape and into nature, the closest place to hike is at the San Tan Mountain Regional Park. This 10,000 acre part of the Sonoran Desert has about 8 miles of trails within the park. A favorite and (5 comments)